How's it going? I just finished brain-storming about five minutes ago (10:15 pm EST). If all goes according to plan, this will be the longest chapter I have ever written, and will also be what I call 'a hormonal mess'- in a good way though. You'll see. Maxon is still really mad and confused. Keep that in mind when reading. Also- someone, I am not going to say who, told me to write more in each chapter, so I'm going to try to start doing that with this one. The only problem I have with writing a lot in one chapter is that I really want this story to last until May 6th. I don't want to end it early because I can't think of anything else to put in it. So I want anyone who has time to review or PM me to decide. Should I write short, but interesting chapters, or long chapters where I describe every detail of whats happening in-depth?

All rights to Kiera Cass. I did not write the Selection Trilogy.

Chapter Eight

(Maxon's POV)

With conflicting thoughts of America and our future stuck in my head, I decided that a walk around the palace would cheer me up a bit. I put on a new white suit and a blue tie, and headed out of my room. As I was leaving the third floor, I noticed that one of my guards was talking to someone, but I couldn't tell who. I drew closer to the two people and, for the first time in what seemed like forever, I saw Kriss.

She looked beautiful, as always, but even more so when she turned my way. Her eyes lit up like a match, and a large smile appeared on her face.

"Maxon!" she exclaimed excitedly, "I'm so happy you're here."

"Care for a stroll?" I asked, trying to sound pleasant. America was still in my head, saying those awful words to me again and again.

"I'd love to." she replied, putting her arm through mine as I held it out for her.

She smiled and nodded back at the guard before leaving with me. Is every girl in this damned competition with a guard? I thought to myself as I tried to hold my pent-up anger at bay. Once we had rounded the corner that lead to the small movie theatre, I decided that instead of taking a stroll, we needed to do something fun. I suddenly picked up my pace and ran to the theatre with Kriss laughing and holding on to me.

"What are we doing in here?" she asked me, looking around the room.

I had forgotten that only America and I had ever been in here. I cursed myself mentally.

"This is the movie theatre, and we are watching a movie." I drew her towards me and tried to forget about America for a moment.

She responded hesitantly, as always, worried that I would kiss her and take her 'lip virginity'; but then she saw that I was only trying to hug her and came willingly into my arms.

I sighed, wishing that like the other girls, Kriss would give me a chance to see if we had any chemistry. I understood that she and her family had a tradition to uphold, but how was I supposed to consider her for the role of princess, or even queen, if we only shared an emotional bond? For all I knew, we could be as incompatible as a monkey and a toad. Her unwillingness seemed to frustrate me more than usual today. Before I could think about what I was doing, I dipped her in my arms and kissed her on the lips.

"MMMMmawwwson!" she pulled away, looking away from me for a second before returning my gaze, "Maxon, why did you do that? I told you how important my first kiss was to me and you just took it away." she started crying, and I had to look away.

What had I done?

(Kriss's POV)

When Maxon and I arrived at the theatre, all I could do was stare at the rows and rows of movies lining the walls. It was all so incredible.

"What are we doing here?" I asked him, wondering if we were going to have a movie date.

I looked around the room again, still reveling at the fact that the palace had a theatre. The benefits of being a One, I thought sheepishly, turning my attention back to Maxon as he spoke.

"This is the movie theatre, and we are watching a movie." he wrapped his arms around me and brought me closer to him.

I didn't want to be rude, but I felt uncomfortable. This was getting too intimate, and I knew the rules my family had were too important to break. Time seemed to stretch on forever in his embrace. He just would not let me go. I tried to get his attention by tugging on his sleeve. He didn't acknowledge me for a while, and eventually I gave up. I set my head on his chest and decided to go with it until he came back down to earth.

It was like my movement triggered something, though, because not more than beat later I was dipped in Maxon's arms and he was kissing me.

"MMMMmawwwson!" I said, trying hard to pull away as his kiss intensified.

He reluctantly pulled away. I couldn't believe him. I had trusted him to wait. I was convinced that he would wait for me.

"Maxon, why did you do that? I told you how important my first kiss was, and you just took it away."

No response. I began to cry.

Before he could stop me, I stepped out of his reach and ran as far away as I could. When I reached my room, I ran to my bed and fell on the covers.

Before I left for the palace, my father had told me what he believed the most important part of any relationship was. Trust. 'The key to knowing if Maxon is the one for you is that simple.'

I was supposed to trust the man I loved; and though he didn't know it yet, Maxon had just lost mine.

So now we are at the end of my second chapter today, and I have to ask you guys, Do you still think Kriss has a chance at winning? Could you see her forgiving Maxon in a later chapter? Review or PM me with your answers. I'm very curious to see what you'll say. :) If you like my story, please favorite or follow it. The more people like it, the longer it stays up on here. Thanks for reading guys! Have a good morning/day/evening/night!

-Property of Illea